Art Of The Ancient Atlatl

Now is your chance to learn the art of the ancient Atlatl. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a “Beginning Atlatl” seminar on Saturday, July 23, 2016, at Busch Shooting Range.

From the July MDC Conservation Connections Newsletter:

Come join our experts and learn the art of ATLATL. It is used to throw a 4 to 6 foot long, spear-like projectile known as a dart. The atlatl is a wooden shaft approximately a foot-and-a-half long with a socket or knock at the rear to engage the dart. The dart is placed along the shaft with its back end resting in the socket or knock. The hunter grips the atlatl near its front end and performs a forward throw using the upper arm and wrist. The flipping motion of the atlatl creates angular momentum that propels the dart with greater speed and power than can be achieved with the arm alone. In 2010 the atlatl became a legal method of harvesting deer in MO. The seminar is for ages 11 and up.

Ages 11-16 must be accompanied by an adult. We will meet in the Busch CA classroom. (Reservations required by July 20. Reserve by calling 636-441-4554).